New laws for 2023 in South Lake Tahoe and California

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Legislature was busy in 2022, passing nearly 1,200 bills with nearly 1,000 of those becoming law after they were signed by Governor Newsom.

It is hard to know what is new for 2023, but good to know that many were minor fixes to previous laws, while others pertain to certain industries or phased in over time.

In South Lake Tahoe, the ban on the sale of polystyrene (Styrofoam) products begins January 1. There are no exceptions for polystyrene raw meat, fish, and food trays or for food prepared or packaged outside of South Lake Tahoe in polystyrene containers. In addition, plastic single-use food service ware, condiment cups, and packets may be provided to customers only upon request.

Also, in the ordinance is a ban on single-use plastic water bottles. The phase affecting commercial businesses will not go into effect until April 22, 2024, however, businesses can choose to take steps now to eliminate single-use plastic water bottles. To learn more about the ordinance along with resources and tips, visit www.cityofslt.us/plasticwaste.

Here’s a snapshot from Newsom's office of some of the bills that will take effect in the New Year:

HOLDING OIL COMPANIES ACCOUNTABLE

Why it matters: Californians deserve the right to know what oil companies are up to. SB 1322 by Senator Ben Allen will require oil companies to post how much money they’re making off Californians on their websites.

PROTECTING CREATIVE EXPRESSION

Why it matters: Your favorite artists are now better protected in the state of California. Tyga, YG, Meek Mill, Too $hort, Killer Mike, E-40, & Ty Dolla Sign all partnered with Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer and Governor Newsom with AB 2799. This bill restricts the use of creative content like song lyrics and music videos against artists in court.

SUPPORT FOR STREET VENDORS

Why it matters: Sidewalk food vendors make some of the tastiest food. Governor Newsom signed SB 972 by Senator Lena Gonzalez to make it easier for these street vendors to obtain local health permits. This not only increases community health and safety, it also helps vendors formally enter the economy so they can build a successful business and better provide for their families.

DOLLY PARTON’S IMAGINATION LIBRARY

Why it matters: Books open up a whole new world of imagination and wonder. Thanks to SB 1183 by Pro tem Atkins & Senator Grove, children in California from ages 0-5 will be able to sign up for free books in both English and Spanish.

FREEDOM AND ABORTION

Why it matters: California prioritizes the safety of women. Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan’s bill, AB 1242, prohibits law enforcement and California corporations from cooperating with or providing information to out-of-state entities regarding a lawful abortion in California. It also prohibits law enforcement from knowingly arresting a person for aiding in a lawful abortion in California.

REMOVING THE PINK TAX

Why it matters: Paying for certain necessities is now more affordable. AB 1287 by Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan prohibits anyone from charging a different price for 2 goods that are similar, like razors, just because they’re marketed to women. The pink tax is no more in California!!

TRANSFER-LEVEL COURSES AT COMMUNITY COLLEGES

Why it matters: The future is in the hands of the next generation. Assemblymember Irwin’s AB 1705 calls for community colleges to enroll their students in transfer-level math and English courses if the program they want to transfer into requires those subjects. The new law aims to remove barriers to degree completion and help students meet their academic and career goals.

LUNAR NEW YEAR, ARMENIAN GENOCIDE REMEMBRANCE DAY, AND JUNETEENTH

Why it matters: Coming up next year Lunar New Year, Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, and Juneteenth will all be state holidays! Big thanks to Assemblymembers Low, Nazarian, and Jones-Sawyer.

PAY EQUITY

Why it matters: Hard workers deserve to reap ALL the benefits. Senator Limon’s bill SB 1162 brings California a big step closer to shrinking the pay gap. This bill will expand on existing transparency laws, which mandate pay data reporting by employee sex, race, and ethnicity.

Others:

California Indian Education Act encourages school districts to work with tribes to develop history lessons to give students a fuller understanding of native history.

Assembly Bill 2282 increases penalties for people who use hateful symbols as part of hate crimes — swastikas, nooses, desecrated crosses — and expands restricted locations to include K-12 schools and colleges.

Assembly Bill 1909 makes four changes to laws affecting bicyclists, as well as drivers and pedestrians who share California roads. Existing law had prohibited the operation of a motorized bicycle or a class 3 electric bicycle on a bicycle path or trail, bikeway, bicycle lane, equestrian trail, or hiking or recreational trail, but that has changed. The new law removes the prohibition of class 3 electric bicycles and it is up to local jurisdictions to prohibit them if desired.

Three of the changes become effective on Jan. 1. The bill will require drivers to change lanes before passing a cyclist if a lane is available.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature passed this new law that allows private citizens to collect $10,000 by suing those who make or sell illegal “ghost guns” or assault-style weapons. The U.S. Supreme Court, however, could throw out the Texas law and ones like it, including California’s. But that would be just fine with the governor and lawmakers.

The Affordable Housing and High Road Jobs Act identifies areas zoned for parking, retail, or office buildings where land could be used for housing. It also allows for housing on that land, and exempts such projects from local approval processes and the California Environmental Quality Act.